In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed Astragalus on their energy metabolism and polarization, and explore the scientific connotation of the enhanced efficacy of honey-processed Astragalus on invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi. The medicated sera were prepared by intragastric administration of rats with water extracts of crude and honey-processed Astragalus, and the composition changes of medicated sera of crude and honey-processed Astragalus were analyzed by using LC-MS technology. The cell survival rates were detected and the concentrations of medicated sera were screened through CCK-8 assay. The differences of cell phagocytic rates, ATP energy metabolism, and NO secretion between crude and honey-processed Astragalus were evaluated by using neutral red phagocytosis assay, ATP detection kit, and NO detection kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on TNF-α secretion of RAW264.7 cells were detected by employing ELISA kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on polarization of RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by utilizing flow cytometry. The differential metabolites related to glycolysis in cell lysates and culture media were screened by using LC-MS technology. The experiment was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee from Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine (No. AWE202407352). The results showed that the contents of betaine, amino acids, and ononin in the prepared medicated sera of rats treated by intragastric administration with water extracts of honey-processed Astragalus increased compared to those in crude one. The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that there were no cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells in the medicated sera of crude and honey-processd Astragalus at different concentration. The phagocytic index and ATP yield both increased to varying degrees after administration of the medicated sera to cells. The secretion of NO in normal and inflammatory cells increased and decreased respectively, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. The results of ELISA kit showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote the secretion of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner, and the promoting effect of honey-processed Astragalus was stronger than that of crude one. The results of flow cytometry showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote M1-type polarization and inhibit M2-type polarization of RAW264.7 cells, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. Compared to crude Astragalus, the metabolites related to glycolysis in the cell lysates and culture media of the medicated sera of honey-processed Astragalus were generally on the rise, indicating that the effect on promoting glycolysis of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. In summary, honey-processed Astragalus can promote the polarization and energy metabolism of RAW264.7 cells, and participate in positive immune regulation, which is correlated with its enhanced effect of invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological trends and characteristics of brucellosis in humans (hereinafter referred to as brucellosis) in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating brucellosis prevention and control strategies in the region. MethodsThe incidence data of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023 were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The diagnosis time, infection route, and clinical characteristics of the cases were obtained from the case investigation reports. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial, demographic distributions, and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis. Brucella species were identified using agglutination tests with bacterial suspension and A/M antigen-positive serum. ResultsA total of 2 193 cases of human brucellosis were confirmed and clinically diagnosed in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023, with the peak incidence occured from March to August, and which exhibited distinct geographic distribution patterns. The highest incidence rate was found in people aged 60‒<70 years. The occupation of cases were primarily farmers. The incidence rate in males (528/100 000) was higher than that in females (184/100 000). All cases had confirmed exposure to infected animals or contaminated animal products. ConclusionThe epidemic of human brucellosis in Tangshan exhibited an overall steady downward trend from 2016 to 2023, except for a slight increase in 2016 and 2021, with the incidence rate controlled at 289/100 000‒335/100 000. The prevention and control situation of human brucellosis still remains severe, with the highest incidence rate in the eastern region of Tangshan, which are characterized by the breeding, slaughtering, and processing of cattle and sheep. Therefore, it it is necessary to enhance the prevention and control of human brucellosis among the personnel engaged in these industries in the eastern areas.

Aim To investigate the regulatory effects of chlorogenic acid(CGA)on mitochondrial autophagy and inflammation in ox-LDL induced foam cells through PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway.Methods RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into the control group,model group,CGA-L group,CGA-M group,CGA-H group and CGA-H+Mdi group.Oil red O method was used to identify cell foam.The intervention concentration of CGA was determined by CCK-8 meth-od.The mitochondrial structure was observed by trans-mission electron microscope.The expression of IL-1 β,IL-18 and IFN-γ was detected by ELISA.The expres-sion of genes and proteins associated with PINK1/Par-kin mitochondrial autophagy pathway was detected by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence labeling.Results Oil red O staining showed that the foam cell model was successfully prepared.Compared with the model group,mitochondrial damage was significantly reduced after CGA intervention at different concentrations,and the expressions of PINK1,Parkin,p-Parkin,PHB2 and LC3 Ⅱ were induced,while the expression of TOMM20 was inhibited.The expressions of IL-1 β,IL-18 and IFN-γ decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the CGA-H group,the CGA-H+Mdi group significantly increased mitochondrial damage,in-hibited the expression of PINK1,Parkin,p-Parkin,PHB2,LC3 Ⅱ,induced the expression of TOMM20,and enhanced the expression of IL-1 β,IL-18,IFN-γ(P＜0.01).Conclusions CGA can induce mitochon-drial autophagy in foam cells by regulating PINK1/Par-kin pathway and inhibit the overexpression of pro-in-flammatory factors IL-1 β,IL-18 and IFN-y,which may be one of the anti-atherosclerosis mechanisms of CGA.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of miR-155 expression with drug sensitivity of FLT3-ITD+acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cell line and its potential regulatory mechanism.Methods:By knocking out miR-155 gene in FLT3-ITD+AML cell line MV411 through CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology,monoclonal cells were screened.The genotype of these monoclonal cells was validated by PCR and Sanger sequencing.The expression of mature miRNA was measured by RT-qPCR.The treatment response of doxorubicin,quizartinib and midostaurin were measured by MTT assay and IC50 of these drugs were calculated to identify the sensitivity.Transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze change of mRNA level in MV411 cells after miR-155 knockout,gene set enrichment analysis to analyze change of signaling pathway,and Western blot to verify expressions of key molecules in signaling pathway.Results:Four heterozygotes with gene knockout and one heterozygote with gene insertion were obtained through PCR screening and Sanger sequencing.RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of mature miR-155 in the monoclonal cells was significantly lower than wild-type clones.MTT results showed that the sensitivity of MV411 cells to various anti FLT3-ITD+AML drugs increased significantly after miR-155 knockout compared with wild-type clones.RNA sequencing showed that the mTOR signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were inhibited after miR-155 knockout.Western blot showed that the expressions of key molecules p-mTOR,Wnt5α and β-catenin in signaling pathway were down-regulated.Conclusion:Drug sensitivity of MV411 cells to doxorubicin,quizartinib and midostaurin can be enhanced significantly after miR-155 knockout,which is related to the inhibition of multiple signaling pathways including mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways.

Objective:To analyze the effect of recombinant human thrombopoietin(rhTPO)on platelet(PLT)reconstitution after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation(APBSCT)in patients with multiple myeloma(MM).Methods:The clinical data of 147 MM patients who were diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and received APBSCT as the first-line therapy were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether rhTPO was used during APBSCT,the patients were divided into rhTPO group(80 cases)and control group(67 cases).The time of PLT engraftment,blood product infusion requirements,the proportion of patients with PLT recovery to ≥ 50 × 109/L and ≥ 100 × 109/L at+14 days and+100 days after transplantation,and adverse reactions including the incidence of bleeding were compared between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex,age,M protein type,PLT count at the initial diagnosis,median duration of induction therapy before APBSCT,and number of CD34+cells reinfused(all P＞0.05).The median time of PLT engraftment in the rhTPO group was 10(6-14)days,which was shorter than 11(8-23)days in the control group(P＜0.001).The median PLT transfusion requirement in the rhTPO group during APBSCT was 15(0-50)U,which was less than 20(0-80)U in the control group(P=0.001).At+14 days after transplantation,the proportions of patients with PLT 2 50 × 109/L in the rhTPO group and the control group were 66.3％and 52.2％,while the proportions of patients with PLT ≥ 100 × 109/L were 23.8％and 11.9％,respectively,with no significant differences(all P＞0.05).At+100 days after transplantation,the proportion of patients with PLT ≥ 50 × 109/L in rhTPO group and control group was 96.3％and 89.6％,respectively(P＞0.05),but the proportion of patients with PLT ≥ 100 × 109/L in rhTPO group was higher than that in control group(75.0％vs 55.2％,P=0.012).There was no difference in the overall incidence of bleeding events in different locations during period of low PLT level of patients between the two groups.In rhTPO group,the rhTPO administration was well tolerated,and the incidences of abnormal liver and kidney function and infection were similar to those in the control group.Conclusion:When MM patients undergo first-line APBSCT,subcutaneous injection of rhTPO can shorten the time of platelet engraftment,reduce the transfusion volume of blood products,and be well tolerated,moreover,more patients have achieve a high level of PLT recovery after transplantation,which is very important for ensuring the safety of APBSCT and maintenance therapy.

Objective:To screen interleukin(IL)-1β secretion-related membrane transporters by macrophage experiment in vitro and conventional knockout mice.Methods:THP-1 cell line was differentiated to obtain human THP-1-derived macrophages,and the primary macrophages were obtained from human peripheral blood.FVB wild-type mice with the same sex and age were used as the controls of MRP1 knockout mice.The macrophages in abdominal cavity and bone marrow of mice were cultivated.The cells were treated with ABCC1/MRP1,ABCG2/BCRP,ABCB1/P-gp,OATP1B1,and MATE transporter inhibitors,then stimulated by lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate.The secretion level of IL-iβ was detected by ELISA,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Results:After inhibiting ABCC1/MRP1 transporter,the secretion of IL-1β decreased significantly,while inhibition of the other 4 transporters had no effect.In animal experiment,the level of IL-1 β secreted by macrophages in bone marrow of MRP1 knockout mice was significantly lower than control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:ABCC1/MRP1 transporter is a newly discovered IL-1β secretion pathway,which is expected to become a new target for solving clinical problems such as cytokine release syndrome.

Objective:To prepare mesenchymal stem cells with antioxidant capacity (AO-MSC ) from human umbilical cords and evaluate its cell biological properties.Methods:In control group,mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were isolated by digesting human umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly tissues with 0.2％ collagenase Ⅱ,and the released cells were collected and cultured in an animal serum-free culture medium.In AO-MSC group,incompletely collagenase Ⅱ-digested tissue debris were allowed to adhere to flusk flat bottoms and the AO-MSC was harvested by adherent culture. The conventional digestion and culture method was used as control.MSC colony forming ability was evaluated by fibroblast colony forming assay (CFU-F).MSC proliferative capacity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.The MSC surface markers were detected by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.The adipogenic and osteogenic capacity of MSC was evaluated by multi-differentiation in vitro,and the mRNA expression of genes that control adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR );Moreover,the mRNA expression of antioxidant substances such as SOD-1,GSH,GAT,and NQO1 in MSC was also evaluated by RT-qPCR.Results:The AO-MSC isolated by this strategy reached a confluence of 80％-90％ at around 18 days and grew in a swirling pattern.Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining assays showed that CD73,CD29,CD105,CD90 were highly expressed and CD31,CD45,HLA-DR were scarcely expressed in AO-MSC.AO-MSC exhibited stronger self-renewal and differentiation ability compared to MSC.However,the in vitro adipogenic-osteogenic capacity of MSC in the control group was stronger than that of AO-MSC.RT-qPCR assay showed that AO-MSC expressed higher mRNA levels of antioxidant substances compared to MSC.Conclusion:Human AO-MSC is successfully prepared from human umbilical cord without animal serum.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Objective To preliminarily analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients with ICC who underwent surgical resection from September 2010 to March 2023,including 45 cases in the laparoscopic surgery group and 39 in the open surgery group.By using propensity score matching,34 matched pairs were successfully identified.The study compared intraoperative blood loss,proportion of achieving≥6 lymph nodes dissection,R0 resection rate,complication,postoperative hospital stay,survival,and recurrence between the two groups.Results In the laparoscopic group,intraoperative blood loss was significantly less than that in the open surgery group(median:250 ml vs.750 ml,Z=-3.406,P=0.001).The proportion of achieving≥6 lymph node dissection in the former was lower than that in the latter,but the difference was not statistically significant(5.9%vs.17.6%,χ2=1.275,P=0.259).There was no statistical difference in R0 resection rate between the laparoscopic group and the open surgery group[88.2%(30/34)vs.82.4%(28/34),χ2=0.469,P=0.493].The complication rate in the laparoscopic group was 17.6%(6/34),significantly lower than 47.1%(16/34)in the open surgery group(χ2=6.719,P=0.010);however,the rate of severe complication was the same in both groups at 2.9%(χ2=0.000,P=1.000).Laparoscopic surgery significantly shortened the postoperative hospital stay(median:7 d vs.10 d,Z=-3.021,P=0.003).The median overall survival in the laparoscopic group was 60.6 months,significantly longer than 15.9 months in the open surgery group(log-rank χ2=5.788,P=0.016).The median recurrence-free survival was 26.4 months in the laparoscopic group,significantly longer than 7.6 months in the open surgery group(log-rank χ2=4.532,P=0.033).Conclusions Compared to open surgery,laparoscopic surgery for ICC offers advantages such as less blood loss,lower complication rate,shorter postoperative hospital stay and longer survival.It achieves comparable R0 resection rate and adequate lymph node dissection.

The relationship between endometriosis(EMT)and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)is an emerging topic in the field of women's health.Despite the actual risk of ASCVD in EMT women is not clear,there is evidence proving that EMT women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.Early menopause,chronic in-flammation mechanisms,genetic similarities and dyslipidemia etc.explain the possible relationship between these two chronic diseases.This article aims to better understanding the link between EMT and ASCVD,expected to guide the implementation of new therapies to reduce the increased burden of cardiovascular disease that EMT pa-tients may face.